When Fresh Starts Feel Heavy: Mental Health and Leadership

In this episode of the Leadership Wellbeing Series, hosts Aaron Wolowiec, FASAE, CAE, CMP Fellow, and Tara Puckey, MBA, FASAE, CAE, CMP, are joined by Danielle Baron, MA, MBA, FASAE, CAE, Vice President of Marketing, Communications, and Industry Relations at the School Nutrition Association, for an honest conversation about mental health and leadership. Danielle reflects on how moments like January—often framed as times for fresh starts—can carry added emotional weight, and she shares personal insights from her own mental health journey. The discussion explores the importance of vulnerability in leadership, how to model healthier norms without oversharing, and why intentional language matters in creating psychologically safe workplaces. Throughout the episode, the conversation emphasizes breaking stigma, building trust, and fostering supportive team environments. Danielle also discusses balancing professional responsibilities with personal well-being, the value of strong support networks, and practical ways leaders at all levels can cultivate a culture that prioritizes mental health and wellbeing.

 

The Leadership Wellbeing Series is produced by Association Briefings.